Resources

People living with type 1 diabetes are aware of the fact that self-management is the ultimate solution to lead a balanced life with type 1 but management is not only a one step thing, it’s a process in case of diabetes and while we are dealing with a whole lot of other stuff in our life at different times we tend to forget or ignore some of the step. But don’t you worry I have a simple one word management solution for all you guys and also this one word is so meaningful that it will not only help you organize your diabetes related tasks but also help you understand the importance .

MEANING OF DIABETES:

D- DIET

I-INSULIN/MEDICINE

A-A1C/HbA1c

B-BLOOD SUGAR MONITORING

E-EXERCISE

T- TESTS/TRANSITION CARE

E- ENDOCRINOLOGIST /EYE EXAMINATION

S-SLEEP/STRESS FREE 

This is the fundamental of the word ‘’Diabetes” and if you ask me personally this has really sorted out my chaos of management. Let me give a detailed picture of each alphabet.

DIET- D (discipline), I (ignore the myths), E (eating without stress), T (timings)

 This is something which is very important and has a lot to do with your timings. It would be much more rewarding if you plan an individual diet chart with your dietician on the basis of your preferences, body need, timings and schedule because pressurised eating wont help you manage your sugars. Afterall food is something you should enjoy and not take it as a medicine.

Aim of nutritional management-:

1. Ideal body weight should be maintained or achieved

2. Your body should be provided with appropriate energy and nutrients for optimal growth, development and health

3. Optimal glucose control should be achieved by balancing food intake with insulin , energy requirements and physical activity.

Dietary advice should be directed towards family rather than individual.

In my experience if you understand the concept of healthy eating and the affect of different food items on an individual’s body rather than prioritising diet of a person living with diabetes and mocking them again and again on items they can or cannot have.

INSULIN/MEDICINES

So what I have seen generally people have a misconception that insulin has side effects. Yes they do if you take appropriate amount of food and you get hypoglycaemia (low sugars). Insulin is like your life so please do not take it lightly or keep on changing your doses without your endocrinologist opinion.

Somethings to take care while handling your insulin-

1. Store your insulin at an optimum temperature

2. Take note of the air bubbles in the catridge.

3. Change the needle when required.

4. Carry your insulin in a case

5. Avoid lipohypertrophy

HbA1c - 3 month glucose test

Normal range (lesser than 7.0)

This is the most valuable test to track your glucose measure in last three months and change if needed because this test wont be affected by your one month or one week control.This should be checked every 3 month. Keep your personal goal of HbA1c with your diabetes team.

BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING

It is very rare to find that someone is regular with their blood glucose monitoring. Some may miss as they don’t feel the need to check their sugars or some may avoid checking because they live in the denial of diabetes and assume that every thing is okay. Let me tell you managing your sugars without blood glucose monitoring is like driving a car without milometer, fuel gauge or temperature gauge. You may thing you are doing fine but your HbA1c will give you a reality check . So it is better to have a routine check of your sugars just for your knowledge and your peace. This may even be helpful for your injection dose management and also for your diabetes team.

EXERCISE

This has to be non negotiable for everyone whether one is living with diabetes or not. Walk is must for everyone in today’s date. It is as important as eating or taking your insulin that is why I said it is non negotiable. Let me tell you some of the facts of exercise on blood glucose level

1. Exercise increases absorption of insulin .

2. Do not use exercise as a treatment option for insulin. Insulin is important for the muscle cells to take up glucose.You can never replace insulin with exercise.C

3. It reduces your stress and help relax your mind.

4. Do not exercise without seeking proper advice from your doctor or a trained instructor.’

5. Always carry your hypoglycemia kit with you and let someone know you have diabetes.

6. Avoid checking your sugars immediately after exercise. Relax for 30 -45 min and then check your sugars.

7. It is very important to check your sugars before exercise so that you can take appropriate amount of carbohydrate in case the sugar is low or you can adjust your insulin dose if the sugar is high. Exercising with high sugars is not a good idea.